ACROPOLIS, ATHENS, GREECEFor:A major cultural influence on the architecture of Europe and the world.Against:Although an iconic image, there is not that much left after wars and earthquakes.Did you know?The present ruins are the result of the Ottoman Turks using the Parthenon as an explosives store in 1687. It was hit by a Venetian shell.

HAGIA SOFIA, ISTANBUL, TURKEYFor:The greatest church of ancient Christianity, with a 55mhigh dome, it was the model for many Islamic mosques.Against:It sits in the shade of such wonders as the nearby Blue Mosque, or Süleymaniye Mosque.Did you know?The church is not named after Saint Sophia, but is dedicated to the Holy Wisdom of God.

ALHAMBRA, GRANADA, SPAINFor:It is a uniquely beautiful relic showing Spain’s Moorish architecture.Against:Europe is full of castles. So what is all the fuss about?Did you know?While the castle is known by most people for its crimson walls – Alhambra means the Red Palace – they were originally whitewashed.

KYOMIZU TEMPLE, KYOTO, JAPANFor:Dating back to 1633, this is one of the largest and most beautiful wooden structures in the world.Against:Like most wooden buildings, it is continually restored, meaning you are looking at a modern version of an ancient design.Did you know?The Japanese expression for taking the plunge is to ‘jump off Kyomizu’.

ANGKOR WAT, CAMBODIAFor:An amazing temple complex dedicated to Hindu, then Buddhist teachings, covering 130 hectares, once lost in the jungle, with every bit of its walls covered in carvings.Against:Once the initial awe has worn off, there is not much variety – just scale.Did you know?This is the largest religious monument in the world.

MACHU PICCHU, PERUFor:Located at a height of 2,430m on a mountain ridge, it is the greatest symbol of the Inca Empire.Against:Although it is a memorial to a lost civilisation, it has absolutely no worldwide cultural significance.Did you know?In 1913, National Geographic journal devoted an entire issue to Machu Picchu.

GREAT WALL OF CHINAFor:It is one of the world’s most impressive engineering feats – measuring nearly 7,000km in length.Against:They have lied to us: You cannot actually see it from space (it is in fact much too narrow)Did you know?Since the Great Wall was not continuous, Mongol invaders could just walk around it.